San Antonio daily light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1886-1907, 1887-02-23
CUSTODIAN OF THE ALAMO.
AN OUTSIDE PAPER Is ANXIOUS TO
GUST TOM RIFE.

GUST TOM RIFE.
What Tom Has Done in the Past That Sc
cures Him the commentator of
Western Texas.
The Star indicator, OF Blanco, 10
very anxious that old Tom Rife should
be turned from the custodianship Of the
Alamo and that it's pet, Capt. G. II. Per-
ry, better known as Rufe Perry
but .one who has done considerable
service for the state should be his sue
cessor. It makes the plea that the Ala
mo should be 10 charge ola
TEXAS VETERAN.
And Of course as Rufe Perry is Texas
veteran and friend OF the editor. he Is
the only man that Is qualified to
take charge OF the Alamo. This
ignores all living veterans who
have as good, n not better
claims than Rufe Perry for the position.
The -Vindicator apparently appeals
to the state. Ii forgets that while IL Is
the property OF the state, IL is owing to
San Antonio that the ownership IL so
vested, and naturally the city having
done big share In securing
THE ALAMO,
and paying the custodian Of the historic
building. she ought to have some rights
in nominating Its custodian. The mayor
selected Tom Rife, and II Is only fair to
say that his appointment is endorsed by
the citizens, especially by those
who know the custodian, and
are acquainted with his his
history. As to whether Tom Rife is a
veteran, in the strict acceptation OF the
term Ia doubtful, but one thing Is quite
clear that from lS4S until 1872 he has
been actively engaged In the dangerous
service that has been OF great
BENEFIT TO THE STATE
and has done much for the progress and
civilization OF western Texas. Surely
this Is entitled to consideration. Let us
first review some salient points In Tom
Rifles career and see what he has done.
In 1912, when Texas was last in
vaded, Tom Rife volunteered for
her defence and he served
two enlistments In the Mexican
war, and was in the fray from beginning
to the end. One Of those enlistments
was served under man dear to Texas,
Jack Hayes, the other under Walter p.
Lane. No one has yet risen to question
his
COURAGE OR SERVICE.
At the close OF the Mexican war he
was honorably discharged, but he did
not eek rest, although he had nearly
six years OF service, for In 1913 he Joined
Ben Hilrs frontier company. Some time
he was engaged with Colonel Joseph 4.
johnson and Lieutenant Bryan In hunt
ing out and opening the FL Paso roads.
Two years later he Joined Big
Foot Wallaoe's frontier company
and one year afterwards he
was mustered out to form captain Of
one Of the parties carrying the first mail
from San Antonio to Santa Fe. Big
Foot Wallace was captain of the other
party, and for nearly three years he WAS
so engaged. In those days there was no
house nor settlement between D'hanis
and San Elaizerio. a distance of 800
miles, and the party was an
ARMED FORCE
on road that was beset BY Indians,
and much could be written of the dan
gers and vicissitudes Of his position.
When his services was over he took
a trip to California, for business
and pleasure, but when the civil
south, and was at the surrender Of Fort
Bliss and by command OF General Nc.
Guffen, took charge of the garrison, and
held it for the confederstes. When he
had discharged that duty, he accom-
panied
sIBLBY's BRIGADE
through New Mexico. sharing In the
pains and vicissitudes Of that campaign,
thence he passed to Mississippi, and
was wounded at Deer Creek near Vioks-
h.,r A ffar Nho Iak tnla kaA I'LL
before federal arms, Rife Joined Cap
tain Lytle's company 10 Woods regi-
ment where he served some time, when
by special request OF Capt. Henry Skill
man, who knew his knowledge and
worth; he was detailed by Gen. McGru-
der for scout service on Skillman's bor-
der scouts. He was with the party
when IL was surprised by thirty-five fed
erals OF the California column at mid
night. All was asleep, the sentinels
were taken, and the party fired on in
their beds.
sKILLMAN WAS THEN KILLED,
And nearly all the party exterminated.
Rife was seriously wounded then, two
ribs were broken, and one of them
has not reunited to this day,
thereby incapaoitating him from
heavy work. He was left for
dead on the field, but recovered
Then the citizens OF Preside Del Nerte
knowing him and approaching his SER
vices, recommended him to succeed
Skillman. After the war closed he was
again on the west Texas mail service
and did good service, remaiDg 10 IL I'M
til 1873, when
WESTERN TExAs
had become so we'll organized and set
armed service In that direction. From
1874 to 1885 Tom Rife was on the city
police force and won the record OF a
wise and valient officer.
The LIGHT merely Outlines the servi-
ces of Tom Rife, but II space permitted,
it could fill In details, showing
his distinguished services and the
the dangers that he has incurred for the
public veal. 1t is admitted that few II
any, men have done more for the open
ing OF Western Texas than Tom Rife.
The city Is honored by the selection OF
such man for the position, a man who
is courteous to visitors and knows the
HISTORY OF THE STATE
by heart and delights in reoounting the
history OF the past that magnifles the
deeds Of the patriots, yet withal he Ia
modest and reticent In speaking of his
own career. He ia the right man In the
right place, and has earned his position
by distinguished service. Yet this is
the man the Star-Vindicator would Dust
In order TO find room for one OF its favor